CE's Comment On Lawmakers Not Fair, Says Regina Ip

Executive councillor Regina Ip said on Thursday that she can't agree with Chief Executive Carrie Lam's comment that it was lawmakers who approved changes to CSSA eligibility.

During her recent question and answer session in Legco, Lam told lawmakers she was shocked to hear that they opposed the plan, saying it was they who voted for the budget bill which contained the change.

Ip, who is also a lawmaker, said there was no formal consultation or a vote on the particular issue. "So that comment is not entirely fair," she said.

Speaking to reporters after attending a seminar, Ip said the pro-establishment camp had come under a lot of pressure since Lam made the comment.

She said if Lam really wanted to improve her relationship with lawmakers, the first thing she should do is to rebuild the trust between the pro-establishment camp and her administration.

Ip said she was also very disappointed with Welfare Secretary Law Chi-kwong's comment that there is no room for change, after Legco passed a non-binding motion asking the government to reconsider the CSSA rule alterations.

"I was really dismayed by secretary Law Chi-kwong's comment," she said. "I think it is most unfair to us and to the elderly people affected by it."

Ip said there is still a fortnight before the changes take place and they will try hard to stop them.